Many digital media entities (including this one) appreciate writers inserting personal anecdotes, thoughts or, gulp, opinions into their writing. It’s a practice that would have been considered journalistic heresy years ago but these days is often encouraged because it can make stories more interesting and, well, personal (some might even call it “masturbatory“). But yesterday’s confession from New York Observer writer Drew Grant (who briefly covered weekends for Mediaite well before I started) may have established a new line in the journalistic sand. She casually gloated about getting high off illegal “mushrooms” with her colleagues before attending the premiere party for the IFC program Portlandia at the Museum of Natural History, an event to which she was invited in her role as a reporter.

You may or may not have heard yet, but Mediaite is losing Colby Hall, the only Managing Editor it has ever known. While Hall and Mediaite founder Dan Abrams have already had their say, the well-oiled cogs in the Mediaite machine still haven’t had their turn. As the last of the Mediaite O.G.s, it falls to me to guide this exercise, and to send Mr. Hall into the after-Mediaite-life with a full understanding of what he has meant to us.

The New York Observer‘s Drew Grant (formerly of Mediaite) is reporting on a YouTube clip that shows an Occupy Wall Street protester peppering Fox News’ Griff Jenkins with criticism of the network, in an interview that was never aired. Why the clip didn’t air is the subject of some speculation, but according to Greta Van Susteren, the simplest explanation is the right one.

It’s a New Yecade! I am going to keep saying that until it catches on. But either way, we’re four days in and everything feels COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. Actually, and weirdly, it sort of does — maybe it’s because of all the decade-end stuff, but “2010″ looks, well, normal. Which is a very good sign. Which means we can now share all our shameful secrets from 2009. Like loving “Party In The USA.”

I don’t usually write about my extra-Mediaite activities in this space, but it does fit in with my Lady Gaga fascination, and I might as well pre-empt any mockery that may ensue. Also, I’m auditioning for Styleite. Those boots are RAD. Anyhow, those of you who follow me on Twitter may have noticed frequent exhortations [...]